Why Make This Recipe
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy sauce made from sundried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. It is perfect for busy days when you want a warm, comforting meal with minimal effort. The crock pot does all the work for you, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the ingredients meld together beautifully. Plus, this dish is sure to impress your family or guests, making it a great choice for date nights or special occasions. With its delicious flavors and simple preparation, it’s not hard to see why people fall in love with this recipe!
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Making Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is simple. You only need a few ingredients and a bit of time. The slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful.
Ingredients :
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup sundried tomatoes (in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Directions :
- Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Make sure they are spread out evenly for better cooking.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the sundried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create a delicious sauce for the chicken.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crock pot, making sure everything is well-coated.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender.
- Once done, serve the chicken and sauce over cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil for a beautiful and flavorful touch.
How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is extremely versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas to enjoy this dish:
- Serve it over a bed of pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti for a hearty meal.
- Pair it with fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Mashed potatoes are an excellent choice as well, providing a creamy base to balance the rich flavors of the chicken.
- You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to add a healthy touch.
The options are endless! Just be ready for everyone to ask for seconds.
How to Store Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
If you have any leftovers, storing Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is easy. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature after cooking.
- Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to keep the dish for a longer period, you can freeze it. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. It can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months.
When you want to reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and heat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Tips to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
To ensure that your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken turns out just right, here are some handy tips:
Use Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. Frozen chicken can also work, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before pouring it on the chicken and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference.
Don’t Overcrowd the Crock Pot: If you’re cooking for a crowd, it’s better to make two batches rather than overcrowding the crock pot, which may affect cooking time and result in unevenly cooked chicken.
Experiment with Herbs: If you want to add additional flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary alongside the Italian seasoning.
Add Vegetables: You can toss in some vegetables like spinach or kale to the sauce during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.
Variation
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is highly adaptable! Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
Pasta Alternative: For a lighter version, serve it with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta.
Cream Cheese Twist: For an even creamier texture, add a block of cream cheese to the sauce before cooking. It melts beautifully and adds richness to the dish.
Different Protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken, this recipe can easily be adapted for pork loin or even shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Add Spice: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. If they’re not thawed, you may need to increase the cooking time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator before cooking. Just remember to take it out about 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
Can I leave the crock pot unattended while cooking?
Yes, the crock pot is designed for unattended cooking. Just make sure to follow the cooking times and settings specified in the recipe to ensure your meal turns out perfectly.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is to warm it up on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may also use a microwave. Be sure to cover it to keep it moist.
How can I make this dish lighter or healthier?
You can make this dish lighter by using skinless chicken breasts, reducing the amount of heavy cream, or replacing it with a lighter alternative, like Greek yogurt. You can also serve it with whole grain pasta or cauliflower rice for a healthier side.
Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken with friends and loved ones! The savory flavors and creamy sauce are sure to create lasting memories around the dinner table.
Print
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delightful dish of tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce made from sundried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, perfect for busy days and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup sundried tomatoes (in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot, ensuring they are spread out evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix sundried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crock pot, making sure everything is well-coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
For best results, avoid overcrowding the crock pot and consider adding vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Crock Pot, Chicken, Creamy Sauce, Sundried Tomatoes, Parmesan
